The Mourning Of – Anatomy Of Grief

Writer-director Merced Elizondo’s 16:26-minute-long The Mourning Of is eponymous to its title. A stunning piece of art–both, raw and visceral, the short is an intense narration of a woman’s journey to finding peace and healing. Elizondo risks a conventional subject with a rather unique take to make the film both intriguing and intimate. Grief, loss, death are after all topics that have been explored in abundance, but to layer it with subtexts of repression, emotional distancing or delayed response to shock is quite ingenious.

There’s a vacantness to Maribel’s eyes; as if she has retreated into herself. And, although determined, her forlorn walk to the church tells us enough–this person is broken. Natalia Villegas who plays her is perfect. There’s a marked poise to her gait, a restrainment to her performance and a very measured display to her emotions. Without making it caricaturish or worse, over-the-top, Villegas manages to strike the balance between intimacy and alienation. As she goes about offering condolences, there’s sincerity to it; and yet we realise that she is as much vicariously processing grief as we are, through her. And, it is again to Elizondo’s credit that a storyline such as this strikes a chord with the audience. There’s an understated study of grief and loss that reflects well in this film.

Maribel who is unable to move on, unable to process the grief of her mother’s passing finds solace in attending random strangers’ funerals. But, when her unconventional ways come to the notice of Father Tomas (Julio Cesar Cedillo), he has to find the means to stop. Cedillo is a gift to the film. Not only does he add meat to his character, he becomes the de facto pivotal point to the film’s narration. His gentle, but firm admonishing of Maribel becomes the turning point from which the film showcases the unraveling of her mind.

Right from the beginning, Rene G. Boscio’s composition lingers, at times pointedly, at others melancholically. If the music alone could convey the story, Boscio’s certainly does. Add to that, Jonathan Cuartas’s editing and Matheus Bastos’s camera work and what we have is a visually stunning piece of work. The sombre colour palette adds weight to the film. We feel it, along with Maribel–the weight of her grief, which is why the final scene is a comeuppance that feels cathartic, not just for her, but the audience as well.

Elizondo’s The Mourning Of is a must watch–for its eloquent screenplay and engaging story. The performances are gripping, and Elizondo couldn’t possibly have found a better cast. But, to retell the story of loss and grief–concepts that are so universal that it would be nearly impossible for anyone to not be affected by it, it takes gumption and an ability to craft tales that resonate and engage with the audience; and Elizondo does it both. With The Mourning Of, he gives us a story to dismantle our mind, heal our heart and assuage our life back into the light. Compelling, moving and highly recommended, The Mourning Of should make it to your list of must watch!

Watch The Mourning Of Short Film Trailer